Siddham Mehta, who joined the University of Plymouth to study MSc Advanced Professional Practice in Occupational Therapy in 2023, shares how his experience as an international student has been shaped by his involvement with the Students’ Union (SU). From embracing and engaging in a diversity of events and activities, to joining student groups and participating in various volunteering schemes, Siddham has seized the opportunities surrounding him and fully immersed himself in student life here at Plymouth!
Despite studying a full-time postgraduate course and working as a support worker in his chosen field, Siddham has found time to make an impact through mentoring students whilst in Plymouth. Back in India, Siddham was a personal tutor, and so when he found the mentoring scheme through the University’s Careers Fair, he knew it was something he wanted to continue whilst studying away from home: “teaching is a passion of mine, so when I saw this opportunity, I immediately applied for it.”
From his dedication to ensuring inclusive education in this initial role, Siddham was selected to support an additional mentoring scheme; this scheme included helping students in local schools with a diversity of needs, including physical and cognitive needs, as well as those who may have different needs and preferences due to their particular culture, group or community. “It’s a wonderful feeling” to help students prepare for their future, Siddham shares.
Since arriving to Plymouth, Siddham has become an active member of the SU’s Indian Society, which he discovered shortly after enrolling onto his course. “I was able to get to know about the Indian Society within a few days of me coming over here. Initially, because I was new, I was figuring out my accommodation, but then I started visiting the University and at that time I came across one of the functions that the SU was able to organise which was a dance party and disco, including Indian songs.”
It was a great event. It didn’t feel like I was away from home then. […] It was from that event that I was able to realise, okay if I join the Indian Society then maybe I could be part of many more wonderful events that might take place.
Founded by the 2023/24 SU President, International Culture Nights—evenings dedicated to celebrating a specific international community—have been enjoyed by many students at the SU. Siddham shares that he was able to attend the first part of this special evening, which presented an opportunity for everyone to come together dressed in their ethnic clothing. The event allowed for members of the Indian Society to connect with other international students from India who had yet to discover or engage with their society: “We got to know a lot of people who are here in Plymouth, but we were not aware of them being around. It was a good social event where you could meet people and get to know them more.”
Siddham has made many connections through joining the Indian Society, as well as friends though his accommodation, course, and voluntary work. One volunteering scheme that Siddham is part of that stands out to him is the Veg Box Scheme: this initiative includes helping to pack and distribute fruit and vegetable boxes available to students at a heavily discounted price. Siddham explains that in India, donating food to those in need is a very religious concept and something he was encouraged to do growing up. By being part of the Veg Box scheme, Siddham felt connected to his culture whilst also being able to appreciate receiving groceries suitable to his vegetarian lifestyle.
A new initiative this year has been Discovery Weeks, which Siddham has been heavily involved in. From competitive sports to career-enhancing events, water-based activities to casual movie nights, Siddham has made the most of these activities: “I just love the concept of Discovery Weeks. I have been a part of lot of activities, including UV badminton and volleyball, which is something I have never tried in India, so that was a completely new experience.”
As well as the unique experiences gained during Discovery Weeks, Siddham expresses gratitude for the opportunities he’s had to get involved with traditions and events that are not celebrated in his culture. “In India, we don’t have something called Halloween, and because of this night I was able to dress up like the Joker from Batman. It was a beautiful feeling to see people dressed up in different costumes and enjoying themselves; that is something I have never experienced in my life. Attending my first Halloween party through the SU will be a standout memory for me, forever.”
Siddham believes that the SU has made a “very positive impact” on his journey as a student, providing him with a space to unwind from his busy academic and work schedule: “When you get a place like the Students’ Union, it’s refreshing -- all the small activities, a place to hang out, it just feels like a safe zone, a chill out zone from everyday activities like working and studying, especially as an international student with so many things to figure out.”
With his course coming to an end shortly, Siddham is looking to the future and preparing for life after graduating. With so many new experiences through his involvement with SU events and schemes, Siddham shares that he is excited to share his inspiration for new ideas and different approaches to initiatives he is involved with back in India:
The culture, the people, the weather, […] it took me a little bit of time to adjust, but I just love how it works over here. I am in love with the UK and how it functions. It is a new experience that I won’t ever forget.
